What is the Mentoring Program?

The program pairs Hunter graduates and friends of the College with students who are looking for educational advice, career guidance and life lessons. It’s a wonderful opportunity for alumni who appreciate what Hunter gave them to give something back by helping the next generation of students.

Mentoring is a true fulfillment of Hunter’s motto, Mihi Cura Futuri — the care of the future is mine.

Who takes part in the program?

What do Mentors do?

Mentors draw on their real-world experience to give students advice about making the right choices in school, getting ahead in their careers and developing social skills. They serve as confidence boosters as well as role models.

Mentors act as sounding boards for their students and provide practical feedback. They share ideas, communicate knowledge, identify useful resources and help clarify educational and professional goals.

Mentors often take their students to their workplace to give them a first-hand look at “the real world.” And they offer insights on a range of skills — developing time-management strategies, approaching faculty members and supervisors, preparing effective résumés, handling interviews and dressing for success.

Mentors may also take their students to a special conference, a museum or a cultural event to introduce them to new experiences and broaden their horizons.

How much time does it take?

Each relationship develops its own pattern, but as a general rule a mentor is asked to spend two to three hours a month with their student. The ongoing relationship is nurtured through phone calls and e-mail contact.

Mentors are asked to attend four general meetings during the school year, from a kick-off icebreaker in September to a spring wrap-up reception in early May.

How do I join?

What Mentors & Students Are Saying

"I had a chance to work in Barbara’s office and observe what a genuine and caring physician is like. Although her job is demanding and stressful, Barbara treats not only her patients, but also everyone else in a warm, patient and attentive manner. She is a great role model. She offered me advice on job hunting, taking a preparatory exam course and how to prepare my medical school applications. She liked to talk to me about interesting or unusual things that she experienced. We talked about the rising popularity and importance of alternative medicine. I learned a lot from her.”

— Ruby Chow ’08

"I have gotten so much more out of mentoring than I ever imagined. I have been honored to meet such bright, eager, enthusiastic and engaging students and each year, I have enjoyed the interaction, as much as I hope they have. I have relied on the students to keep me as informed about the way life is lived currently as I hope they have relied on me to give them advice as to how they can organize and plan their futures.”

— Bernadette Beekman ’77

"I wasn’t certain I had anything to offer students facing obstacles I never encountered in college. I soon found out I could help them resolve academic problems, set career goals and negotiate the complexities of the city’s largest public college....These are incredibly gifted, eager, resilient and highly motivated young people.”